New South Wales' Greg Bird puts pressure on Maroons

NEW South Wales back-rower Greg Bird has tried to heap pressure on the Maroons going into Wednesday's Origin game three in Brisbane, saying the off-field dramas around debutant Will Chambers would unsettle Queensland.

Bird admitted the Blues had not been fully focused on game II last year after Origin rookie Blake Ferguson was charged with sexual assault.

"Our situation last year going into game two without Fergo did create quite a distraction," Bird said.

The 'Bruise Brother' also said there had been no talk in the NSW camp about the game being a 'dead rubber'.

"We've been on the bad end of eight losses in a row where it's been embarrassing for us, so to put a bit of embarrassment back to them would be a great feeling," Bird said.

The Blues - who are the greatest defensive NSW team in 22 years - yesterday called up consistent Raiders centre Jarrod Croker to their extended squad.